Ex-boyfriend charged in shooting of Turkish talent show singer

Turkish authorities have charged an ex-boyfriend in the shooting of a young female talent show singer in southeast Turkey — the latest high-profile attack on a woman in Turkey, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency.

Mutlu Kaya, a 19-year-old Kurd, was hospitalized in a critical condition after being shot in the head through a window of her house early Monday. The ex-boyfriend, identified as Veysel E., was detained along with two others, who were later released. He is charged with attempted murder.

Kaya gained national notice in Turkey in a popular song contest and had been mentored by Sibel Can, a well-known Turkish folk singer.

She had reportedly received death threats after performing in the contest.

Violence against women is a trending topic in Turkey. The murder of 20-year-old Ozgecan Aslan after an attempted rape in February led to widespread protests.

On Instagram, Can shared a picture of Kaya.

"My beautiful girl Mutlu, how could they hurt you? I am very sad," she commented.